Dan only whimpered and snuggled closer despite Phil’s reassurances, so he wrapped his arms around his distressed boyfriend.“Come on Dan, deep breaths, I’m here. Do you want to talk about it?” Dan shook his head tickling Phil’s chest with his hair“I suppose this is what I get for watching horror movies alone before bed“ Dan mumbled into Phil’s shoulder once his breathing has calmed down. Phil could tell that Dan was trying to play his nightmare down but he was having none of it, if he knew what had scared Dan so much then maybe he could help it not be so scary next time. However he knew he wasn’t going to get any answers by pushing and Dan just needed some quiet reassurance right now so he was happy to oblige, holding Dan close and slowly stroking his hair. Phil loved just stroking Dan’s hair.Eventually Dan broke the silence in a much calmer voice“It was all dark, and there were people chasing me and… and I couldn’t find you anywhere, Phil, you were just… gone… like you hadn’.t existed” Dan had fully curled up into himself and made himself as small as a six foot three man can while he clung to Phil.“I’m here Dan. I’m real. I’m not going to leave you, I love you too much, idiot” Phil leaned down and lightly kissed the top of Dan’s head. They lay there for a minute listening as the house settled around them, both holding tight to the other and letting unconsciousness take them away.“Love you too“ Dan’s voice was indistinct and filled with sleep, his head pressed to Phil’s chest as the steady sound of Phil’s heart chased the nightmares away.